A Sad Day

Doesn't seem like it's been two years already, but alas, time keeps marching on.

Just taking a moment to remember and reflect - we miss you Mom!

Barbara Ann entered the world on February 27, 1925 born to Blanche and John. Throughout her early years, she was a spirited youth, exuberant and prone to mischief. From waking her baby sister Phyllis up at midnight convincing her it was time to dress for school to climbing out her bedroom window to go dancing at Diamond hall, she always met life on her own terms!

She met Ramon in the early 40’s, but was not convinced of love at first sight. He was tenacious in pursuing her, going to great lengths to prove his unwavering love for her. His perseverance finally paid off and Barbara realized what a wonderful man she had for life. They were united in marriage on September 14, 1946, and were inseparable from that day on, sharing 56 extraordinary years together.

Barb and Ray spent the next years raising three children – Judy, Patti and Greg. With such wonderful role models for parents, reared in a warm and nurturing home, they grew to be happy adults taking loving partners of their own. Judy & Bob, and Patti & Tom provided Barb and Ray with four amazing grand children – Kevin and Sara and Matthew and Sandy. The grandchildren were loved and spoiled with Grandma and Grandpa’s time and attention and will forever treasure the precious bonds they have with them. Greg and Kristine had the dubious distinction of introducing the beloved grand-dog Harley who will surely miss the special treats Grandma offered him.

Barbara was uniquely unselfish in her dedication to family, community and church and was a long time member of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish. Along with tending her family, she took great satisfaction in volunteer activities. From being a Den Mother for Greg over several years to offering her time and talents at church, she continuously demonstrated what it meant to be a true Christian and friend. Of all her accomplishments, she most enjoyed her years as a volunteer in the surgical family waiting room at the former Butterworth Hospital. While performing her duties there, she came to be loved by patients and doctors alike. While pouring hot beverages for anxious family members waiting through their loved ones’ surgeries, she also poured out her compassion, comfort, and encouragement.

Barbara had a zest for life and an appetite for adventure, always making everyone that she interacted with feel at ease with her warm smile and outgoing personality. She loved to travel, taking many cruises and visiting interesting destinations over the years. She had a particular fondness for a city called Las Vegas which provided her with an unending source of amusement and entertainment. If luck be a lady, her name was Barbara!

Barbara will be deeply missed and fondly remembered in love by her family, friends and the community. But it is certain that she would not want us to grieve, but rather celebrate her life well lived and loved. There is a thought that provides one perspective of her years: “Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, Champagne in one hand, chocolate in the other, totally worn out and content exclaiming WOW - What a ride!”